Avoid free agency

Neal Huntington stated in today's Post-Gazette that the Pirates plan to be more aggressive in the free agent market this offseason. The players mentioned in the article are a great reminder of why the Pirates should mostly avoid free agency until they get farther along in the rebuilding process. Dejan notes that some recently traded players are possibilities, mentioning Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson and John Grabow as the most likely. Jack and Freddy have both been disappointments since they were traded, performing poorly and battling injuries. Jack has never shown much with the bat, and Freddy is now two years removed from his last productive offensive season. Both are relying only on defense at this point, and are likely to see their production decline further as they age and injuries beco...

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Matt has covered the Pirates at Wait ‘Til Next Year, Pittsburgh Lumber Co. and now Pirates Prospects. He served as Pirates team expert for Heater Magazine in 2009 and 2010 and has contributed to Graphical Player 2009, 2010 and 2011. Matt was also the editor of the 2011 and 2012 Pirates Prospects Annuals.